In a significant boost for southern Jharkhand, the Central government has officially notified the 291.88-kilometer Dharamjaygarh-Pathalgaon-Lohardaga railway project, paving the way for train connectivity to Gumla district. The Bilaspur division of South East Central Railway issued a notification on June 4, formally bringing the project linking Jharkhand with Chhattisgarh into effect.
Project Details and Route
The new railway line will connect Lohardaga to Gumla and extend further to Pathalgaon and Dharamjaygarh in neighboring Chhattisgarh. This alignment is expected to integrate tribal belts along the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh border into the national railway network, with a significant portion of the track falling within Chhattisgarh.
Decades-Old Demand Fulfilled
Residents of Gumla have been demanding rail connectivity since the 1980s, and the notification marks a welcome development. The proposed route will connect remote areas, improving access to markets and services.
Political Support and Key Roles
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is understood to have played a crucial role in pushing for the inclusion of tribal regions such as Kunkuri, Jashpur, and Pathalgaon into the rail network. Lohardaga MP Sukhdeo Bhagat, who raised the issue in Parliament, stated, “A new chapter is set to be added to the development history of southern Jharkhand. Lohardaga, Jashpur, and adjoining areas, which have waited for rail connectivity for years, are now moving towards reality.” He added that the project would form “a strong foundation for the social, economic, and industrial upliftment” of border regions.
Economic and Agricultural Impact
Beyond connectivity, the railway line is expected to boost agriculture by enabling cheaper and faster transport of Gumla’s farm and horticultural produce, improving market access and price realization for farmers. The Gumla Chamber of Commerce president, Rajesh Lohani, noted that the project will reduce the need for long-distance travel to catch trains and open up access to major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Ranchi. “It will also generate thousands of jobs in tourism, transport, and allied sectors,” he said.
The project marks a milestone for the region, promising transformative development for southern Jharkhand and adjoining areas in Chhattisgarh.
